Control reel



Jan. 2, 1951 w. w. DALRYMPLE CONTROL REEL 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 1, 1947 fwvewrok lA/AYNE vIA! DALRYMPLE Arr-x 1951 w. w. DALRYMF-LE Q 2,536,875

CONTROL REEL Filed April 1. 1947 7' V 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 'INVEN foe IA/AYNE W OALRYMPLE W L mam Q Arrx Jan. 2, 1951 DAI-RYMPLE 2,536,875

CONTROL REEL Filed April 1, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 .[NVE'NTOR WAYNE J/\/. DALRYMPLE Patented Jan. 2, 1951 CONTROL REEL Wayne W. Dalrymple, Wichita, Kans., assignor to Albert 1. Kegan, Chicago,

Ill.

Application April 1, 1947, Serial No. 7385519 11 Claims. (Cl. 242-417) This invention relates generally to means for controlling the motion of captive devices. More specifically the present invention pertains to reeling devices from which depend a pair of control lines, which in turn. are coupled to the captive device. I

In its broad aspect, my improved device, comprises a pair of laterally spaced sheaves or drums which are interconnected in such a. manner than when one of the sheaves is rotated in a given direction, the other sheave rotates an equal degree in the opposite direction. Two control lines are wound oppositely about the two counter-rotating sheaves, respectively, and are led simultaneously either to or from the two sheaves at substantially diametrically opposed points. My device is preferably equipped with guides which prevent the control lines from becoming tangledor otherwise interfered with as they are led-to or from the sheaves. In addition, my control reel preferably includes a type of journalling for the sheaves which permits adjustment of the lateral spacing therebetween. This lateral adjustment enables the two sheaves to be either locked together for braking or else separated so that they may be rotatably adjusted relative to each other. v

Throughout the ensuing specification and ap--' pended claims the term captive device is used to generally designate model airplanes, captive balloons, model racing cars and boats, kites or the like. In order that the intrinsic usefulness of my invention may be more readily perceived,,however, a specific example showing my novel reel used in conjunction with a model airplane is recited in detail hereinbelow.

Because of the erratic nature of the air' currents, it is highly desirable to maintain complete control over the flight of model airplanes, and particularly that class of model airplanes which is power driven. Experience has indicated that a model airplane may be readily controlled by .two control lines. A variation in the length of the lines permits the radius of flight to be changed. At the same time, a variation in the tension lbetween the two lines permits the same to actuate control elements on the model airplane, which in turn determine the altitude at which the air--; plane files. Through these two control factors either the altitude or the radius of flight of a captive device can be rapidly altered to meet fluctuating flight conditions.

It is a principal object of my invention, therefore, to provide a reel for effectively controlling the motion of captivedev-ices through thesmediuni of two control lines which are simultaneously reeled on to or payed off the reel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a reel for controlling the movement of captive devices, which reel is well balanced, reliable, convenient to use, and simple to manustruction;

Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the mamier in which my invention is employed to control an airborne captive device;

Figure 3 is an exploded view showing in perspective the different components of the assembled reel shown in Figure 1;

"Figure 4 is a top elevational view of the reel shown in Figure l;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of my invention havinga portion thereof broken away to illustrate said embodiment to better advantage; and

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 5.

"Like numerals refer to like parts in the drawings and in the description which follows:

Referring now more particularly to the embodiment of m invention shown in Figures 1 through 4 of the drawings, the numeral generally designates one of a pair of sheaves. Sheave 1 includes a grooved edge portion 8, a hub portion 45 and a central bearing 9. A plurality of perforations H3 is formed in the face of sheave l, which perforations generally define a'circle concentric with and of a lesser diameter than the grooved edge portion 8. The perforations it are preferably of a configuration'and spacing which readily permits meshing of the same with gear teeth, and for that reason the perforations it may be regarded as a circular rack gear. The other of said pair of sheaves is generally designated by the numeral H and is in most respects a mirror image of thesheave 3, since it includes a grooved edge portion [2, a hub portion 3% (Figure 4), and a plurality of perforations i3 which are identical to the grooved edge portion 8 and perforations l9, re

spectivel y. On the other hand, the sheave H is i'ssimilar from sheave i in that a crank lt'is rigidly secured to one face thereof. Also, the} and is accurately machined to give a smooth bearing surface. The end play of the sheave 1 is constrained by the flange I3 at the one end of the shaft II. The balance of the shaft I1 which perforations I9 and I3.

does not act as a bearing surface-as for example, that portion over which the sheave II fitsis externally threaded. A cylindrical opening I9 pierces the shaft I1 through the threaded portion, while a drive pin 29 of somewhat greater length than the outer diameter of said shaft is adapted to fit tightly within the opening I9. Since the outer face portion of the sheave 1 which is proximate the bearing 9 rotates relative to the constraining flange I8, I interpose a thrust washer 2| (Figure 6) between the flange I3 andthe sheave I. By this simple expedient potential abrasion of the sheave i is materially reduced, since much of the end thrust is taken up by the washer 2|. Whereas the sheave 1 is free to rotate about the shaft II, the sheave II is pinned to the shaft I1 upon assemblage by the pin 29 and slot I3 coupling.

- .The shaft I1, and accordingly the assembled sheave I and sheave II, is journaled in a frame member which is generally designated by the numeral 22. A main bearing 23 extends through the frame member 22 and provides the means for journalling shaft I1 referred to above. Extending from the frame member 22 is a pistol-type grip 25. Also extending outwardly from the frame member 22, and in a direction substantially per pendicular to that of said grip 24, are two arms 25, 25. Each of the arms 25, 25 contains a pintle 23 at its outermost portion, the distance between the pintles 23, 26 and the axis of the main hearing 23 being somewhat greater than the radii of thesheaves 1 and II. In addition, the pintles 23, 26 set oppositely in their respective arms 25, 25,.so that they extend over the grooved edge portions 3 and I2 of the sheaves 1 and II, respectively, upon assemblage of the reel.

Extending from the frame member 22 are three studs 21, 21, 21, the axes of which are normal to and intersect the axis of the main bearing 23. The three studs 21, 21, 21 are radially spaced from the main bearing 23 a distance equal to the radii of the circles generally defined by the perforations Ill and I3. In addition, the studs 21, 21, 21 are positioned at intervals of approximately 120 from each other to give a well balanced gearing system. Each of the studs 21, 21, 21 is pierced near its outer extremity to receive a cotter pin 23. Adapted to be inserted onto and journaled by the studs 21, 21, 21 are three pinion gears 29, 29, 29, each of which has a configuration such that it readily meshes with the perforations I3 and I3.

The first'step in assembling the foregoing elements preferably comprises placing the pinion gears 29, 29, 29 on to the studs 21, 21, 21 and securing the same with cotter pins 28, 28, 28. The shaft I1 is then inserted into the bearing 9 of sheave 1, care being taken to interpose the thrust washer 2| between the sheave 1 and the flange I8. Following this, the shaft I1 is inserted through the main bearings 23 of the frame member 22,; whereupon the drive pin 29 is forced through the cylindrical opening I9 until an equal amount of the pin 29 projects on either side of the shaft I1. After inserting the drive pin 29 in the designated manner, the two ends thereof are centerpunched to make certain that the pin 29 will not work its way out in subsequent use of the reel. Following this operation, the sheave II is placed on the shaft I1 so that the slot or keyway I6 is engaged by the pin 20.

The next step is to ascertain that the pinion gears 29, 29, 29 are completely meshed with the The lateral spacing of the sheaves 1 and II is then adjusted to the desired lateral setting by threading an internally threaded brake knob 39 on to the threaded shaft I1 the required amount.

After completing the foregoing assemblage, two line guides generally designated by the numerals 3|, 3| are journalled to the pintles 29, 23. The line guide 3|, as is best shown in Figure 3 of the drawings, preferably consists of a coiled central portion 32 having two legs 33, 33 extending outwardly, therefrom. The legs 33, 33 terminate in closed hoops 34, 34 which, for best perform- 1 ance, are contained within the grooved portion 8 (or I2) of the assembled reel. Since the coiled central portions 32 are essentially torsional springs, the legs 33 may be deflected from their null positions a relatively large amount without permanently deforming the line guides 3|, 3 I. Accordingly the line guide 3| may be installed on the pintle 26 by inserting one of the hoops 34 in the groove 8 (or I2), springing the other hoop 34 up above the rim of the sheave 1 (or II), and

'i then pressing the coiled central portion 32 onto the pintle 26.

After the line guides 3|, 3| are in place, the two lines or wires 35 and 36 are wound in opposite directions about the sheaves 1 and II, re-

spectively. I have discovered that the lines 35 and 36 have less tendency to become fouled if the outermost section of each line passes through only that hoop 34 which is more remote from the pistol grip 24. I

" The guide 3| is preferably placed on the pintle 2 6 with the coiled central portion 32 partially wound up. Hence, the two hoops 34, 34 tend to press downwardly upon the line 35 (or 36) thereby' gripping and constraining the same.

A further modification of my invention is illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings. By interposing two annularly-shaped spacer washers 31 and 38 between the sheaves 1 and II, respec tively, and the frame member 22, two of the three pintle gears 29, 29, 29 shown in Figure 3 may be dispensed with. The Washers 31 and 38 are of somewhat smaller diameter than the diameter of the circles generally defined by the perforations I0 and I3, respectively, and act to maintain the sheaves 1 and II, respectively, perpendicular Hence, the pinion gear 29 shown in Figures 5 and 6 merely interconnects the sheaves I and II and does not act as a spacer therebetween, as is the case where two or more pinion gears 29 are employed. I have found that this modification of my invention results in less binding between the gears I9, I3, and 29 of the system, and for that reason produces less wear on the gear teeth than would otherwise occur.

' Since the spacer washer 38 provides ample lateral support for the inboard side of the sheave I I, it may be used to either augment or replace entirely the lateral support ordinarily derived from the inboard portion of the sheave I I through which the central bearing I5passes. According- 1y, when the sheave II is fabricated from two sectic as. sh wn. n. F g r 6. e: me er Qfthe opening 39 may be made larger than the length f e p 2 wi mater all a ec g the alignment of the sheave H. This particular sizins 0f the o eni g fac l ates, both enga ing and disengaging the slot It with; and, from the drive pin; 20, respectively. The adyantages d e- -v p d f o is con i in. making and bre g the coupli g wee the sheave and t shaft ll wi ec m more apparent as, th s exposition proceeds.

Figure also illustrates sheet metal guides, 40, M} for guiding the lines 35 and 36 (not shown) o and fr m. the sh aves 'l; and It, respe tiv ly; rather than the lineguides 31, 3t shown in. ures 1 through 4. Functionally, the. sheet metal guides to, 40 are more or less identical with the line guides 3i, 3|, since the legs, 4.1, 4;! thereof restrain and guide the lines 35; (or 36:), thereby eliminating snarling and fouling of the same. Similarly, the line 35. (or 36.). should pass. through only that opening 42 in the guide 40 which is distal from the pistol grip 24.. Whereas. the guides 3 I, iii may be snapped into place afterthe sheaves i and H are assembled upon the shaft ll, the guides 36, 40 must be assembled more or less simultaneously with the journalling of the sheaves l and H to the frame member 22. The salient advantage which the sheet metal guides 46, 45 possess over the line guides 3|, 3| resides in the relative ease with which the guides 40, 4|] may be stamped and/or formed.

In all of the embodiments of my invention shown in the drawings, it is apparent that any rotation of the sheave l imparts an equal rotational effect to the shaft H, since the sheave H is keyed to the shaft I! by the drive pin 20. This arrangement is preferred, since it makes the adjustment of the lateral spacingbetween the sheaves i and H independent of any rotational eifect. The sheave l is free to rotate about the shaft l I, however, and is rotationally constrainedonly through the interaction of the pinion gear or gears 29 and the perforations I 0 and I3. As indicated above, the exact shape and positioning of the perforations H1 and I3 are such that; they may for all intents and purposesbe regarded as circula rack gears. The pinion gear or gears 29, as the case may be, act in the capacity of reversing or idler gears, since a given mot-ion tangential to a point on a gear 29 is translated into an equal and opposite motion at a point diametri' cally opposed from the reference point. Hence, any rotational motion which is imparted; to the sheave II by mean of the crank I4 is. reversed through the action of the pinion gear or gears 29,

with the result that a counter-rotational effect between the sheaves 1 and II is obtained; This effect, of course, is the specific intent ofthe present invention, since it enables two control lines 35 and 36 to be led simultaneously to r'from the sheaves i and II, respectively. at two widely spaced points.

The manner in which the assembled reel controls the flight of an airborne captive device is clearly shown in FigureZ. The two control lines 35 and 36, which are wound oppositely about the sheaves F andv II, respectively, arev in turn attached to a captive device such as t'le model airplane 43. Figure 1 best shows the, manner in which the line 36 passes on to the sheave H through he been 3 f the u de. 3 he line guide 35, 3| (or the sheet metal guides '40, 40-.

a h a e may be). p e en th e r mfl 'q r ing fouled when either being reeled on to or line 35 and tighten the line seeders payed on: the sheaves and, in addition, act. to keep the lines 35 and 3B wound tightly about the same. s

When the sheave It is driven in a particular direction by means of the crank it, the, action of the intermeshed gear or gears is such that the sheave i rotates oppositely from and in an equal amount to, the sheave H. For that reason, the control lines 35 and 36 simultaneously wind or unwind about the sheaves l and II, respectively, at the same velocity. Since the control lines 3.5 and 36. maybe reeled in or payed out at will, it is apparent that the captive device 43 may be flown at any convenient radii and that these adjustments may be performed without affecting in any way other flight control measures. On the other hand, it is only necessary to vary the relative tension between the control lines 35- and 36 to change the altitude at which the captive device 43 is flying. This change in relative tension may be readily accomplished by holding the arm steady and flexing the wrist up or down, as desired, thereby in effect pivoting the melee a unit about an axis which is parallel to and spaced from the shaft IT. For example, if the reel is swung downwardly in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 2, using the wrist as a pivot, the instantaneous effect is toslacken the When this occurs, the elevators 44 of the. captive device 4 -3- move in such a way as to. equalize the tension between the lines 35 and 36, and in so doing act to either increase or decrease the altitude, at which the captive device as flies. The partijcular type of elevator control mechanism shown; in. Figure 2 is but one of many, and is included solely for purposes of illustration. 7

By manually adjusting the lateral distance between the, sheaves F and ii through rotationof' the internally threaded knob as, the sheaves 1. and I I may be either moved toward each other to bind the hub portions 45 and 46 to the frame member 22 and thereby brake rotational move--. ment, or else moved apart and thereby disconnected to permit adjustment of the sheaves 1 and H. This latter adjustment is particularly desirable, since it enables the relative tensions be;- tween the control lines 35 and 36 to be adjusted by means other than rotation of the reel itself. Also, any discrepancy between the lengthsof the, two control lines 35 and 36 may be readily corrected. When more than one pinion gear is used, this adjustment is best accomplished by maintaining the pinion gears 29, in mesh with the perforations it at all times during the adjustment, so that while the pinion gears 29 are not meshed with the perforations I3 they neverthele s; are in some relative position one to the other; The adjustment then comprises moving the sheave II a sufiicient distance laterallyto disengage the perforations 13 from the pinion gears 29; rotating the disconnected sheave ll relative to the sheave '1 until the desired ten sion between the control lines 55 and 36 is obtained; and then remeshing the perforations 13 with the pinion; gears 29.

The elements described above are preferably stamped or otherwise formed from metal, such as steel or aluminum. Many aluminum and low density alloys are especially suitable, in view of, their anti-corrosive properties and light weight; The weight of the total assemblage may be res duced still farther by replacing screws and rivets through spot or seam welding.

It is-apparent that I have invented a controlreel for airborne captive devices which is extremely compact, well-balanced, and convenient to use. While I have shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention as applied to airplane reels, it is to be understood that these embodiments have been given b way of example only, and that various changes and rearrangements of the details shown herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its utility, I claim:

1. A reel for controlling the motion of a captive device through the medium of two control lines connecting said captive device with said reel, comprising: a frame member; a shaft journaled in and extending through said frame member; two sheaves on said shaft and rotatable relative to each other; annularly disposed gear means in that face of each of said sheaves proximal to the other of said sheaves; one or more reversing gears rotatably mounted on said frame member and adapted to mesh with said gear means in each of said sheaves; means for laterally moving said two sheaves relative to each other; and means for driving at least one of said sheaves.

2. A reel for controlling the motion of a captive device through the conjoint action of reeling in or paying out two control lines simultaneously and regulating the relative tensions therebetween, said reel comprising: a frame and a handle extending therefrom; a first sheave, means rotatably mounting said sheave upon said frame and having a circular rack gear in that face proximal to said frame; a second sheave, means rotatably mounting said second sheave upon said frame substantialh symmetrical with said first sheave, said second sheave being substantially a mirror image of said first sheave upon mounting t ereof; a plurality of pinion gears rotatably mounted on said frame and intermeshed with said first sheave and said second sheave; means for drivably rotating one of said sheaves, whereby the rotation of said one of said sheaves imparts an equal and opposite rotational effect to the other of said sheaves, and means for laterally moving said two sheaves relative to each other, whereby a lateral movement in one direction binds said pinion gears upon said rack gears and stops rotational movement therebetween, and whereby a lateral movement in the opposite direction permits the disengage ment of said two sheaves for adjustment therebetween.

3. In a reel as specified in claim 2, two widely spaced guides adjacent the rim portions of said two sheaves, respectively, said guides attached to said frame, whereby said control lines are led toward and from their respective sheaves.

4. A reel for simultaneously reeling in or pay ing out a pair of control lines which are con nected to a captive device, comprising: a frame member, a pair of laterally spaced sheaves pivotally connected to said frame member, said sheaves each having therein a plurality of spaced perforations generally defining a circle which is concentric with and of diameter less than the grooved portions of said sheaves, a plurality of pinion gears carried by said frame member and adapted to mesh with said perforations in said sheaves, said gears being positioned so that their respective axes of rotation intersect the axis of rotation of said sheaves, and crank meanssecured to one of said sheaves for driving the same.

5. A reel for simultaneously reeling in or paying out a pair of control lines which are connected to a captive device, comprising: a frame member and a handle extending therefrom; a pair of laterally spaced sheaves of equal diameter, means journalling said sheaves to said frame member, said sheaves each having therein a plurality of spaced perforations generally defining a circle which is concentric with and of a lesser diameter than the grooved portions of said sheaves; three pinion gears journalled in said frame member and adapted to mesh with said perforations in said sheaves, said gears being positioned so that their respective axes of rotation are spaced through 360 degrees and intersect the axis of rotation of said sheaves; and a crank secured to one of said sheaves for driving the same. 7

6. In a device as set forth in claim 5, a pair of guides extending within the grooved portions of said pair of sheaves, respectively, said guides removably secured to said frame member and spaced approximately degrees apart from each other.

7. A device as specified in claim 6, in which the means by which said laterally spaced sheaves are journalled to said frame member include a rotatable shaft journalled in said frame member, said shaft having a head on the one end thereof and external threads on the other end thereof, and an internally threaded member adapted to thread onto said other end of said shaft, whereby the lateral spacing of said sheaves on said shaft may be adjusted.

8. A reel for simultaneously reeling in or paying out a pair of control lines which are connected to a captive device, comprising: a frame member and a handle extending therefrom; a shaft journalled in and extending through said frame member; a first sheave journalled by said shaft on one side of said handle, said first sheave having a plurality of spaced perforations therein generally defining circle which is concentric with and of a lesser diameter than the grooved portion of said first sheave; a first spacer washer interposed between said first sheave and said handle and having a lesser diameter than that of said spaced perforations in said first sheave; a second sheave journalled by said shaft on the other side of said frame member, said second sheave having therein a plurality of perforations substantially identical in form and arrangement to said perforations in said first sheave, said second sheave having a crank secured to that face which is outboard from said frame member; a second spacer washer interposed between said second sheave and said frame member and having a lesser diameter than that of said perforations in said second sheave; means locking said second sheave to said shaft; and a single pinion gear journalled in said frame member and adapted to mesh with said perforations in said sheaves, said gear being positioned so that its axisof rotation intersects the axis of rotation of said shaft, whereby the displacement of said handle causes said sheaves to revolve equally in opposite directions about said axis of rotation of said shaft.

9. In a device as specified in claim 8, two line guides extending within the grooved portions of said sheaves, respectively, said guides attached to said frame member at substantially diametri- 7s cally opposed points on said sheaves, wlriereby said control lines may be led on to and of! said sheaves, respectively.

10. A device as set forth in claim 9, in which said shaft includes means for adjusting the lateral spacing of said sheaves thereon, said means comprising: a shoulder on one end of said shaft constraining the lateral movement of said first sheave away from said frame member, said other end of said shaft having external threads thereon; and a brake knob adapted to thread onto said other end of said shaft; whereby the lateral displacement of said brake knob toward said shoulder permits said sheaves to be locked together for braking, while a lateral displacement away from said shoulder permits said sheaves to be disengaged for rotational adjustment therebetween.

11. A reel for controlling the motion of a captive device through the medium of two control lines connecting said captive device with said reel, comprising: a frame member; a shaft journaled in and extending through said frame member; two sheaves on said shaft and rotatable relative to each other; annularly disposed gear means in that face of each of said sheaves proximal to the other of said sheaves; one or more reversing gears rotatably mounted on said frame member and adapted to mesh with said gear means in each of said sheaves; a first circular spacer member interposed between one of said sheaves and said frame member, and having a diameter less than that of said annularly disposed gear means; a second circular spacer member interposed between the other of said sheaves and said frame member and having a, diameter less than that of said annularly disposed gear means; means for laterally moving said two sheaves relative to each other; and means for driving at least one of said sheaves.

WAYNE: W. DALRYMPLE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 801,530 Kreeger Oct. 10, 1905 881,772 Canney Mar. 10, 1908 2,001,780 Fry May 21, 1935 2,406,874 Walker Sept. 3, 1946 

